Longtime lurker here, I'm originally from San Diego and Crime rate is something to consider -Anadarko sits at 733.9 per 100K. Poverty rate is 22.4%, which is higher than I expected. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What do you all think? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
6 upvotes
3 Replies
Avery Martin
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 12 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Property taxes are high. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Landon Y.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
nyc_eli
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Atlanta about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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